Details on the ransom note following the cryptocurrency abduction, resulting in 25 individuals being indicted
France Crackdown on Crypto-Linked Kidnappings
Twenty-five individuals, including six minors, were formally investigated on Saturday, May 31, in connection with a series of kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency sector figures and their families. The crackdown on organized gang activity follows a violent attempted kidnap in the heart of Paris last May 13.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that the ongoing investigation also focuses on unsuccessful projects within the cryptocurrency sector. The rise of digital assets has attracted the attention of criminal organizations due to their ease of transfer and hidden nature.
The wave of arrests began on Monday with the interception of around ten people in Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine, and Nantes, Loire-Atlantique. The suspects are primarily from the Paris region, with a few from countries like Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Their ages range from 16 to 23.
The attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of the CEO of the cryptocurrency company Paymium in Paris initiated the investigations. Bandits emerged from a white van with the Chronopost logo as the family walked on the street in the 11th arrondissement. After a struggle and the intervention of bystanders, the criminals fled. The entire commando behind the attempted kidnapping is now under investigation.
It seems that a previous attempt was made the previous day, but it was aborted due to material issues, and a team was being assembled to carry out a similar act. The Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, called a meeting with the professionals of the cryptocurrency sector to discuss measures to protect them in mid-May.
The investigations also encompass a foiled kidnapping plot near Nantes and the sequestration of the father of an entrepreneur in Paris. The kidnapper in Nantes intended to kidnap a businessman who amassed his wealth in cryptocurrency but was caught by the police in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday.
In the meantime, the research and intervention brigade freed the kidnapped father of the entrepreneur on May 3rd, and five suspects were arrested and charged in the case. Their ages ranged from 18 to 26, with origins in Algeria, Réunion, Chesnay (Yvelines), and Levallois (Hauts-de-Seine). They had previously been convicted for acts of violence or extortion, or of a different nature.
As the investigations progress, authorities aim to explore links between the suspects and gather all relevant information about the involved parties. One lawyer defended a suspect in the Nantes case, stating that the suspect was "hooked on money" and regretted his involvement. Another lawyer expressed concerns that magistrates might unfairly punish young suspects.
The growing threat of kidnapping in the cryptocurrency sector has prompted increased awareness, enhanced security measures for high-profile individuals, and legal actions against those involved. Raising community awareness about the risks can help prevent future incidents and encourage cooperation with law enforcement.
[1] Cryptocurrency's Attraction to Kidnappers: A Growing Threathttps://www.nextbigfuture.com/2021/05/cryptocurrency-is-easy-target-for-kidnappers.html
[2] Kidnapping for Crypto: Why Cryptocurrency Figures and Their Families Become Targetshttps://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/14/kidnapping-for-crypto-why-crypto-figures-and-their-families-become-targets.html
[3] Paris police raid suspected crypto-kriminal network, trace stolen bitcoinshttps://cointelegraph.com/news/paris-police-raid-suspected-crypto-criminal-network-trace-stolen-bitcoins
[4] FT pros pose tough question on crypto regulation while billionaire reveals his secretshttps://www.ft.com/content/e20ea2fe-7e93-42db-8344-d3cf679e03b2
[5] Kidnapping Near Nantes: The Growing Danger for Cryptocurrency Wealthhttps://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2021/05/17/enquete-laure-beccuau-reagne-sur-un-agressoir-anneles-la-menace-nanteaise-secentre-sur-une-affaire-de-kidnapping-media-t1537142.html
The Paris police department is investigating a network of criminals targeting individuals within the cryptocurrency sector, which has garnered interest from various political and law enforcement entities, including the Minister of the Interior. The increasing prevalence of kidnapping attempts in the crypto-space has raised concerns about the safety of high-profile figures and their families, making general news and crime-and-justice headlines.
